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Show HILLTOP TIMES Hilltop TIMES Aug. 16, 2012 Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley swears in Gen. Mark A. Welsh Ill as the 20th Air Force chief of staff, assisted by Welsh's wife, Betty, during a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Aug. 10. Welsh 'humbled' to serve as Air Force chief of staff J. JONES Air Force Public Affairs Agency BY TECH. SGT. SHAWN J OINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. 4 The Air Force chief of staff flag passed to the service's 20th chief in a ceremony Aug. 10. Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, a 36-year Airman, stepped into the position, taking over for Gen. Norton Schwartz, who also retired from the Air Force during the ceremony. "Mark is respected throughout the Air Force for his exceptional leadership and ability to connect with Airmen," Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley said. Raised in an Air Force family, Welsh said he found a role model in his father, a decorated combat pilot. "Today, I think he'd be proud of me," Welsh said. "And any day a kid can make his dad proud is a great day." Welsh emphasized the need for Airmen to understand the importance of the other services in joint operations, but also said Airmen shouldn't underestimate the combat capabilities of their own service in winning today's fight. "No one else can bring what we bring to the fight, and any real war fighter knows that," he said. "Don't ever doubt yourself or this service. Welsh also addressed his stance on issues affecting the well-being of Airmen. "When it comes to Airman resiliency, suicide prevention, and sexual assault prevention and response, I believe you're either part of the solution or you're part of the problem," he said. "There is no middle ground." Welsh also said the Air Force must shape the future and that will require innovative thinking and different approaches to problems, along with modernization. Welsh was nominated by the president May 10 and confirmed by the Senate on Aug. 2. In his previous position as the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, he was in charge of Air Force activities in an area of operations covering nearly one-fifth of the globe. Welsh, a 1976 graduate of the Air Force Academy, has served in numerous operational, command and staff positions, such as commandant of cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy, vice commander of Air Education and BELLE From page 1 cleaning at $2 for each piece. "We really appreciate all formal and semi-formal donations," Kelley said. "Even monetary donations are greatly appreciated and are for dry cleaning, mending of donated items and small purchases such as hangers and safety pins." All donations may be left at the Airman and Family Readiness Center front desk and marked for Belle of the Ball. Col. Kathryn Kolbe, 75th Air Base Wing (ABW) Vice Commander and Staci Long, 388th Fighter Wing Commander's spouse created SCOTT M. ASH U.S. Air Force Training Command and associate director for military affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency. "When I became a squadron commander, I felt excited. When I became a wing commander, I felt proud. When I became a major command commander, I felt privileged and a little bit old," he said. "Today when I was sworn in as chief of staff of the Air Force, I felt humbled to be given the honor of leading its incredible Airmen." His experience includes nearly 3,300 flying hours, most of which came in the A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-16 Fighting Falcon. As the ceremony ushered in a new chapter in Air Force history, it also served as the final chapter for Schwartz's four years as the service's senior uniformed leader and his more than 39 years of military service. Schwartz's career began in 1973 after graduating from the Air Force Academy. He has logged more than 4,400 flying hours and participated in military operations in Vietnam, Iraq and Cambodia. "Anyone looking for an example of Air Force core values need look no further than Gen. Norty Schwartz," Donley said. "Thank you for your lasting contribution to our Air Force and the character and quality of your service." Defense Secretary Leon Panetta presented Schwartz with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, which is awarded to service members who perform exceptionally meritorious service in a position of great responsibility. The award citation highlighted his success in restoring excellence in the Air Force nuclear mission, his efforts to partner with joint and coalition teammates in support of operations worldwide, modernizing the Air Force's air and space inventories, and care for Airmen and families. Schwartz's wife Suzie was also recognized for her devotion to Airmen and family support programs. "The Air Force has afforded us an honorable and rewarding journey for the entirety of our adult lives," Schwartz said. a lovely place with fitting rooms and space to allow the dresses to be beautifully displayed and arranged by size, color and formal and semi-formal. "We also have a few wedding dresses, a couple of tuxes and lots of shoes," Kelley said. IDEAs tan be submitted at https://ipds.csd.disa.mil SPONSOR A PET! listx? Oolly up 11=11 POOD Are you an animal lover? Here's a great way to express it. Sponsor a pet photo on our special "Save A Life" page publishing on Friday, August 31, 2012. qpy TECHNOLOGY CHANGES EVERYTHING: s IT TRANSFORMED THE WAY YOU DEPLOY OVERSEAS. THE WAY YOU TALK TO YOUR LOVED ONES. HEAR NEWS FROM HOME. EVERY DAY, INNOVATIONS CONNECT PEOPLE ACROSS SPACE AND TIME. Your sponsorship will secure a space for a photo of a pet who is available for adoption and needs a good home. This special page has saved hundreds of lives all over the country, thanks to people like you! In the past year several hundred animals have been adopted in our community alone! Be a part of saving a life and feel great about doing it.This page is presented in conjunction with local Animal Shelters, Humane Societies and Animal Sanctuaries. For just $24, you can add your own special thoughts under the pet's photo. It will display your name as the sponsor of this pet, or you may include a loving memory of one of your own cherished furry friends. WHAT IF TECHNOLOGY CONNECTED YOU TO A COLLEGE DEGREE? IT'S POSSIBLE. YOU HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY TO BELONG TO A WORLDWIDE LEARNING COMMUNITY. THAT COMMUNITY IS ASHFORD UNIVERSITY. MUST BE RECEIVED BY TUESDAY, AUGUST 28! SAVE A LIFE SPONSOR FORM Name: AddressCity: State: Credit Card#: Exp: Signature: Phone: E-mail Address: For check, make payable to: Standard-Examiner Text to appear in space below photo, 20 characters or less. Choose One: In loving memory of Sponsored by /<-41W-*. Standard-Examiner www.standard.net 433504 080912ht Mail this form with your check or credit card information to: Save A Life, do Standard-Examiner Classified Dept. PO Box 12790 Ogden, UT 84412 wen Zip: Ashford UNIVERSITY" or call 801-625-4300 MILITARY.ASHFORD.EDU/HILLTOP I 888.254.5822 3 |